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Menopause<\/a> is having a moment. People are finally, finally<\/em><\/em> talking about this thing that happens to all women (AKA roughly half the population).<\/p>\n But with all the information (and misinformation) about menopause suddenly everywhere, it can be hard to know what to believe. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea to consider talking to your clinician about the changes you\u2019re noticing in your body.<\/p>\n Even with a clinician we know and trust, it\u2019s not always easy to find the guidance we seek. Too often we go confidently into an appointment ready to learn, only to walk out with our heads spinning \u2014 and full of more questions than answers. <\/p>\n The best way to avoid this frustrating experience? Be prepared. We\u2019ve put together a guide to help you have a more productive conversation with your clinician about menopause. <\/p>\n The more your clinician knows about your reproductive (and overall) health, the better they\u2019ll be able to help you navigate menopause.<\/p>\n The current state of your menstrual cycle is typically the biggest indicator of where you are in your menopausal journey, said Mary Jane Minkin, M.D.<\/a>, a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine.<\/p>\n A member of HealthyWomen\u2019s Women\u2019s Health Advisory Council<\/a>, Minkin also hosts a highly informative and interesting podcast<\/a> about menopausal health.<\/p>\n \u201cMenstrual history is important, because if your period is coming every 28 days, it’s highly unlikely you’re perimenopausal,\u201d Minkin said. \u201cIf your periods are becoming wacky, you’re getting your period every three months, you’re getting a period two weeks later \u2026 Now we’re talking about menstrual stuff that goes along with menopause.\u201d<\/p>\n Before your appointment, write down as much as you can about your menstrual history, including:<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also want to give your clinician an overview of your general medical history, including any history of cancer or other health problems. \u201cFor example, if you have thyroid disorders, that’s important for your doctor to know about, because hyperthyroidism can give you the same kind of hot flashes<\/a> and sweats as menopause,\u201d Minkin said. <\/p>\n Your medical history may also be a factor when it comes to deciding on the best treatment for you. \u201cAs much as I love estrogen<\/a>, I’m the first to acknowledge that it’s not for every single person,\u201d Minkin said. \u201cFor example, if you have a history of blood clots or gallbladder disease, that’s important for your doctor to know.\u201d<\/p>\n Minkin also encourages women to let their clinician know about any pregnancy-related health issues they may have experienced, including high blood pressure<\/a> during pregnancy and multiple pregnancy losses. These can be clues to how your body may handle menopause.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Once you\u2019ve noted your personal info, it\u2019s time to find out about the women in your immediate family. This includes your mom and your grandmothers, as well as aunts or older sisters. Ask about their experience with menopause. If you can\u2019t ask these people directly, see if anyone else in your family knows.<\/p>\n Research suggests menopause is linked to genetics<\/a>, meaning the age your mom was when she got her last period may be a strong predictor of when you\u2019ll get yours. <\/p>\n \u201cIf mom had menopause at age 35 and your aunt had menopause at age 40, does that necessarily mean you’re going to do an early menopause? No, but it certainly is something I’m going to pay attention to and watch for,\u201d Minkin said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Your clinician will also want to know about any symptoms you\u2019ve been having, so pay attention to how you\u2019re feeling in the weeks leading up to your appointment.<\/p>\n In addition to keeping track of your periods, jot down other symptoms like hot flashes, achiness or sleep issues. They may not necessarily be related to menopause, but your clinician will help you understand them either way. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Since our minds often go blank when given the opportunity to ask questions during an appointment, it\u2019s good to be prepared with a list of questions. Here are some general ones:<\/p>\n It happens to the best of us \u2014 no matter how hard you try to take in what your clinician is saying during your appointment, you feel like you\u2019ve forgotten half of it by the time you get home.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid to reach out with follow-up questions. And be sure to let your clinician know about any concerns you have as you start a new menopause treatment, including whether it\u2019s working as well as it should. <\/p>\n \u201cUsually within a month you\u2019ll notice a difference,\u201d Minkin said. \u201cWithin three months, you\u2019ll be getting the maximum benefit you\u2019re going to achieve with this dose.\u201d<\/p>\n The menopausal transition is definitely more of a marathon than a sprint. Regular contact with your clinician can help you both stay on top of symptoms before they become too troublesome. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Does it feel like your clinician isn\u2019t giving you what you need, no matter how well you prepare for your appointments? It may be time to switch clinicians.<\/p>\n Because not every clinician has training in how to care for menopausal women, the Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) has created a search tool<\/a> that helps you find a menopause-educated clinician in your area.<\/p>\n Minkin said the cultural shift in thinking around menopause has caused membership in the Menopause Society to mushroom, meaning you have more options than ever when it comes to finding a clinician who can help guide you through the transition.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the early 90s when the Society started, we had between 2,000 and 2,500 members,\u201d Minkin said. \u201cAs of our meeting last October, we had 12,000 members.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n This educational resource was created with support fro<\/em><\/em>m Astellas.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\nGather your history<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nCheck in with family about their menopause experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nTrack your symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nBring a list of questions <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nDon\u2019t be afraid to follow up<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nFind the care you need<\/strong><\/h3>\n